Automated Vehicle Identification via Image Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of purchasing a vehicle is cumbersome due to the time-consuming task of manually entering vehicle information for insurance and financing options, often overwhelming consumers and influenced by biased sales tactics without access to unbiased information.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a camera or image capturing device to automatically identify vehicles through image processing, providing information such as insurance and financing options by communicating with databases using methods like SIFT or SURF, allowing users to capture images for instant data retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If consumers manually enter vehicle information into software applications, then they can receive insurance and financing information, but the process becomes time-consuming and consumers may give up before receiving the information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual input process with an automated optical recognition system. The camera captures an image of the vehicle, and image processing algorithms automatically extract vehicle identification information, substituting the manual typing mechanism with an automated vision-based system that eliminates both time consumption and input errors
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vehicle information to identify itself through automated recognition. Instead of requiring consumer input, the system captures the vehicle image and automatically extracts identification details, allowing the vehicle data to serve itself in the information gathering process
2Reliability
If consumers research vehicle information before visiting a dealer, then they can make informed decisions, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary vehicle identification and information retrieval actions at the moment of vehicle selection, rather than requiring separate pre-purchase research sessions. By capturing the vehicle image and instantly retrieving information, the system completes the research function that would otherwise require separate time-consuming steps before the purchase decision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the vehicle identification, information retrieval, and purchase decision support functions into a single integrated process. Instead of separating research activities from the dealer visit, the system combines these functions by using the vehicle image captured at the dealer to instantly provide all necessary purchase information, eliminating the need for separate pre-purchase research
3Adaptability or versatility
If consumers are provided with multiple vehicle options and financing choices, then they can find suitable options, but they become overwhelmed by difficult decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by providing customized, relevant information specifically tailored to the identified vehicle and consumer context. Rather than presenting all possible vehicle options universally, the system focuses on delivering targeted financing options, insurance quotes, and vehicle details specific to the vehicle in question, making the decision process manageable by filtering out irrelevant information
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing vehicle information at an automobile point of purchase includes a user device having a camera or other image capturing device that is used to capture an image of an automobile. An application on or associated with the image capturing device can either transmit the image to a service provider for processing, or can implement one or more steps in a feature recognition process locally, and thereafter transmit the data to a service provider. In either case, the service provider can then complete the feature recognition processing and identify the automobile from the image. The service provider can then communicate with a make and model database to provide useful information on the vehicle, which can then be transmitted to the user device and conveniently displayed.